Chapter 1

[Seek help from the Rebel Alliance.]

Definitely the better option in the end. Wouldn't want Mira to be taken too, after all.

Ah, when you messaged me about having a new part out I thought I'd best give this a look for my love of Star Wars, and boy am I glad I did. This may be short so far, but boy is it fruity with lore and character development! If I know anything, it's that the Black Sun are some real mean gangsters that aren't the type to consider negotiations with anything else but a blaster. If they have Celia then I fear the worst, and I believe that the family are going to need all the help they can get with getting her back.

That being said, I'm not sure the Rebel alliance is the best way to go. At the stage of a New Hope, the Rebels aren't exactly a menacing opposition that has the power to defeat the Empire, but rather a group of cells with differing methods and ideals with how to strike against the empire. Depending on which cell the family would go to or what that cell's methods would be might not work in their favour, and time is ticking. I think I'd prefer to have settled this privately, perhaps sorting out a deal with a bounty hunter with the credits settled from the earlier deal, not like those funds are going to go into Alderaan estate mortgage or anything. However given the sway of the votes I think I'll stick with the mainstream and vote to seek help from the rebel alliance. I am pro-empire and that makes me biased, but I hope this is the best choice.

Also what a great premise for a story! I never thought of the remaining Alderaanian's except for Leia really. I'm looking forward to the next part!  PS. If anyone could explain to me how to post GIFs that'd be great! XD

    Mira took a short breath before answering, “I believe your father is right, we can’t go after her alone. We need some support.” Zane reacted the way Raymond believed his son would. “We don’t have time to look for help from rebels, who might be light years away from here!” Zane exclaimed. “For all we know, she could still be on this planet. Heck, she may still be, in the city.” Raymond put his hand on Zane’s shoulder, “Even if that is the case, we still can’t rescue her without any backup. The Black Sun is very dangerous, if we try to rescue her alone, we may not only put her but all of us in danger. I don’t want to lose any more of my family today.” “Whatever,” Zane remarked bitterly. “Might as well look for some rebel sympathizers. By the way, what do we do about the bartender?” The bartender looked frightened, “You guys don’t have to worry about me. I don’t want any trouble. I just want to put all this behind me and get back to business.” With that, they left the bar and went out into the dark city.

    “Where should we look to find rebel sympathizers?” Mira inquired. Raymond put his hand to his chin and spoke, “I believe if we find out where that one alien heard about this Briad’s transmissions. We could probably find sympathizers there.” Zane responded, “We should definitely look, in the electronic district.” After traveling for a little bit, they made it to the electronic district where they saw a nervous looking twileki man hiding behind a dumpster. He seemed to be trying to stay out of sight from some stormtroopers out on patrol near him. After they rounded a corner, he bolted down the alley and knocked three times on a door on the side of the wall. The door soon opened, and he went in. Raymond, Mira, and Zane soon followed suit and knocked three times, on the same door, without being seen.

    Soon the door was opened, and a big stout man was the one who was holding it. He had a blaster by his side, and a badge that said Gizmo Security. “You guys are new,” he said with a piercing gaze that could be felt through his sunglasses. They then went inside, and there were many others crowded into the room. The room appeared to have some signs for promotional deals stacked against the walls. It seemed this room was originally supposed to be used as storage for the larger store, which appeared to be Gizmo. There were people gathered around a man who seemed to be fiddling with a computer monitor, near the back of the room. The man appeared to be burly and middle-aged. The most striking thing about the man is that his right arm and eye were robotic. There were burn scars around the areas where the robotic parts were installed. The man was a cyborg. He seemed to be trying to strengthen some type of signal.

    The Branton’s walked up to the man and Raymond asked, “Is this were we can hear the radio transmissions from Briad?” “Oh, you guys must be new around these parts,” the man said in a gruff voice. “How did you find out about this place?” Zane chimed in, “We heard about this place from a friend.” “Hmm, I see…,” the man said as he rubbed his chin with his robotic hand. “Well, to answer your question, yes this is the only place in town where you can hear the transmissions. Only me and a few others around here can decode and strengthen the Briad signals. The name is Kyle Webenix, by the way.” As he said this, he seemed to finish boosting the signal, and the signal seemed to come in a little distorted but then it became clear. Everyone then stopped talking and listened to the broadcast.

    “Now, to the most important news regarding our struggle with the empire. Very recently, the rebel alliance has dealt a crushing blow to the empire. It seems that a battle ensued between rebel and imperial forces near the moons of Yavin. This battle concluded with a striking rebel victory. It appears the rebel forces were able too destroy the superweapon battle station used to destroy the planet of Alderaan. My sources tell me that this superweapon was known as the Death Star. Make no mistake about it, this was a huge victory.

    “Speaking of Alderaan, my sources tell me the empire is still trying to track down survivors. If you are an alderaniaan listening to this broadcast, I urge you to be very careful. However, some of my sources have also told me that the surviving alderaniaan princess and rebel leader Leia is mounting a rescue operation to save groups of scattered alderaniaan survivors. If any are listening to this broadcast, you may want to find her, and she can help bring you to a safe refuge. Some of my sources say, she has already saved many and she is currently with them stationed near the planet of Espirion. With this, I conclude today’s broadcast. Briad signing off.”

    After the broadcast, the people gathered began discussing what they had just heard. Some were complaining about how much they missed and how short today’s broadcast was. After hearing the Broadcast, Raymond stated, “That settles it, we’ll travel to Espirion to seek the aid of the princess.” Kyle looked at them with a somewhat confused expression, “Are you guys some of the scattered alderaanians mentioned, in the broadcast?” Mira replied confidingly, “It is true that we are alderaanians, but that is not the sole reason we seek her aid. Our daughter, as she gestured to herself and Raymond, has been captured by the Black Sun. We need her help to rescue our daughter.” “Do we even have the coordinates for Espirion?” Zane questioned. “I do,” Kyle replied. “You people seem like decent enough people and your cause is very noble. I will travel with you and see to it that your family is reunited. I will also give you guys a copy of the coordinates.” “Oh, you don’t have to do all this for us,” Raymond replied. Kyle responded, “Think nothing of it, I want to help.” With that, the group left and went to the hotel too explain the situation too Gavin.

    After they arrived back to the hotel room, Gavin had a lot of questions. Raymond cautiously approached Gavin and put his hand on his shoulder, “Gavin I have something very important to tell you. Your sister has been kidnapped by the criminal organization known as the Black Sun. This is Kyle Webenix, as he gestured toward him, he is going to help us find her. We are going to Espirion to ask for assistance from Princess Leia to help give us back up to save Celia.” Gavin could hardly process the things being told to him. “Wait, Celia’s been kidnapped!” “How could this have possibly happened?” “It’s a long story,” Zayne said bleakly. Panicked, Gavin shouted, “We have to go now.” Raymond replied, “That’s what we are doing.” With that, they left the planet of Bakura.

    After exiting hyperspace after a minute, the Branton’s and Kyle’s ships began to approach the planet of Espirion. It is then that they noticed the flotilla of Alderaniaan spaceships above the planet. “She must be in the largest one, in the center, Mira said as she pointed at it. Soon both ships stalled close as they reached it and they were let inside. They were soon greeted by a woman with blond hair and amber eyes. She was wearing an x-wing pilot suit. She began by introducing herself, “Hello, my name is Evaan Verlaine. You guys must be some new Alderaniaan refugees. You’ve come to the right place; we have plenty of accommodations for you and you will be safe here.” Raymond then interrupted her saying, “It is true we are from Alderaan, but we have come here because we have urgent business with the Princess. Evaan seemed to be taken aback by this, “Excuse me, but we don’t let just anyone come waltz in here and demand to speak with the Princess!” “Please, you don’t understand. It is very important,” Mira pleaded. Raymond interjected, “It concerns the rescue of an alderaniaan, in great danger. Evaan seemed to be in deep contemplation for a moment. At first, she suggested she relay the message, but the Branton’s insisted they speak with her. “Fine, she said. “However, I’m going to check and make sure you have no weapons on you first. As she said this, she seemed to be eyeing Kyle. He picked up on this and said, “No need to worry about me; I’m just going to wait for them outside her door. They’re the ones that has the business with her, not me.” After she checked them for weapons, she led them to Leia’s office. She explained to her that she had visitors with urgent business. After this, Evaan let them in and she left.

    As soon on they came into her office, Leia spun around in her chair to see them. She was in her white suit with her white cloak. Her brunette hair was pulled into a single bun. As soon as they saw her, the Branton’s (except Zane) bowed their heads in respect. After she gestured for them to rise, Raymond began speaking, “Your majesty, we humbly ask for your assistance.” At this Zane rolled his eyes and he began to speak. “Look our sister, as he gestured to him and Gavin, and their daughter as he gestured to his parents has been kidnapped, by the crime syndicate Black Sun. We need you to help by sending rebel forces to aid us in rescuing her.” Mira looked horrified and berated Zane for speaking to the princess, in that manor. “It is all right, I’m not really a princess over much these days anyways,” Leia responded solemnly. “As for your request, I’m afraid I can’t send any rebels to aid in your cause.” The Branton’s demeanor completely changed to that of shock. “Why the varp can’t you help us!” Zane yelled angrily. Leia looked taken aback for a second, for she was not used to being cursed at in alderaniaan. Raymond then began to speak in a panicked manner, “I don’t understand, why can’t you help? You are already helping these other alderaniaans. Why can’t you spare anyone to help save our daughter?” Leia responded solemnly, “I understand your plight, but I can’t spare any rebel fighters to fight against the crime syndicates. When I set out to rescue alderaniaans, it was too rescue groups and colonies of them from solely the threat of the empire. That’s why once I set up this Alderiniaan flotilla above Espirion it was so individual groups of Alderaniaan survivors could come here once we got the word out to them in various ways. To tell you the truth, I can’t go rescuing anymore people right now. The rebellion needs me, and I must travel back to them soon.” Raymond responded, “We’re not asking you to put yourself in danger; we just want rebel fighters to help us rescue her!” “I’m not the only one invaluable to the rebellion,” Leia retorted. “These fighters are needed to take the empire down, and I can’t afford to lose any fighting the crime syndicate’s to solely rescue one Alderaniaan girl. Plus, the rebellion can’t afford to make an enemy of any of the crime syndicate’s when all our aim and resources should be used to solely bring down the empire and restore the Republic.” At this, Zane pointed at her and furiously yelled, “Your just one giant hypocrite!” He then looked at his family and yelled, “This was just a massive waste of time! We should have just looked for her immediately like I said! These rebels only care about themselves and their interests! That’s it, I’m out of here!” With that Zane stormed out of Leia’s office in a fury.

    The rest of the Branton family looked very grave. Leia cleared her throat,” I never said I was going to leave you emptyhanded.” The family looked up at her with an inquisitive gaze. “While that boy was going on that rant of his, I was downloading a list of planets with heavy Black Sun activity.” “Here,” she handed Raymond the drive. “You can download it on your holodisk and send it to anyone who helps you.” Raymond responded a little somberly, “Thank you, it’s better than nothing.” With that, they left Leia’s office.

    Gavin looked at his parents when they were in the hallway. “Which planet are we going to search first?” he asked. Mira looked at her son and put her hand on his shoulder. She then said, “Actually Gavin, I want you to stay here until we rescue Celia.” Gavin pulled away from her and defiantly responded, “What, no, she’s my sister and I’m going to help you guys bring her back!” Mira grabbed her son and pulled him into a tight embrace as she began to weep. “Please son, stay here! I can’t bear for anything else to happen to any of my children.” After a moment, Gavin finally relented and agreed to stay there until they brought Celia back. Raymond then looked at his son and said, “Don’t worry we will all be together soon. Now to find your brother and Kyle.”

    They all walked to the area were their ships could be seen out the window, thinking that they may be there. To their shock, and surprise they noticed Kyle’s ship was gone. Raymond immediately called Zane, on his holodisk. “Zane, where are you?” Raymond questioned. “Me and Kyle left to go search for her on our own.” “You did what!” both Raymond and Mira said in unison. He retorted, “It’s obvious you guys are going to slow us down.” Mira began to plead with him, “Please, come back. Leia gave us a list of planets with heavy Black Sun activity. We can still find her.” “Oh, isn’t that nice of her,” he responded sarcastically. “Just send me a copy of the info. We’re going to check Bakura first anyways to see if it’s possible she is still on the planet, like we should have done in the first place.” Raymond took the holodisk from her and commanded, “Zane come back this instant. We can do this together.” “I’m sorry father,” he responded dryly. “I’ve already made up my mind, and there is no changing it now.” With this, he hung up. No attempts to call him back would work. “I’m sorry to say this,” Raymond said looking at his wife fearfully. “We have to press on separated for now.”

    After saying their goodbye’s to Gavin, they entered their ship and began flying away, from the planet and flotilla. Mira asked her husband, “Which planet should we check first?” Raymond looked over the list of planets. “The underworld in Coruscant may have valuable information, but the criminal haven of Socorro might, at this point, be a good candidate for her location.” After thinking over these two options, he decided.

I'm glad your liking the story so far Stigz. By the way, (fun fact) in case you didn't know, Leia's mission to save the alderaniaans, the Alderaniaan Flotilla above Espirion, and the character of Evaan Verlaine are all canon material that I found when researching for this story.

Now this is awesome! I really enjoyed your H&L parts for Nymeria's War so I am definitely glad to see you writing a story of your own! Admittedly I don't know anything about Star Wars which made me hesitant to comment but I think I can figure it out. As far as the choice goes, I think I will go with the others and vote to [Search Socorro] here.

[Search Socorro]

I actually considered myself to be fairly decent when it comes to Star Wars lore, but I have to admit, that is the first time I hear about Socorro, even though it doesn't even seem to be all that obscure according to the wiki. I like that, that we don't just get to see places that have been done to death in other Star Wars media (Coruscant, for example), but also these lesser featured planets, so I definitely stand behind this choice.

After almost a year. I have decided to bring you the next part. Here is your quarantine gift. I'll try to get these out sooner. Right now I have more time, but I'm not sure how long I will.

It's crazy how quickly time flies, I can't believe a year has already gone between this part and the last! Certainly couldn't have started back up at a better time though, with the finale of the Clone Wars having aired last week, there's a hole in my heart and a thirst for more Star Wars content to fill it, so I thank you for returning when you did! Man, these Alderaanians have it tough, losing their home and their daughter, and now all the added problems on top of that again, you really capture the stress of the situation well! Zane is building allies, Mira and Raymond were faced with a hard decision of family vs finance, and I dread what Raymond might have to do to make up those credits for that debt. I'm eager to find out though! Interestingly enough, the name Jace Corso sounds very familiar, but I can't see any canon on him from my quick search. Perhaps it's just the blend of Jace Malcom and Corso Riggs from SWTOR that I'm thinking of  

Onto the choice, this is an interesting setting that Celia's finds herself in. Bars instead of ray shields, and actual chains... I'm thinking she may indeed be on Sorroco, or at least another planet of that kind. I'd expect the Black Sun on Coruscant to have access to better captive tech than what has been displayed here. So with that in mind, it's likely that it is escapable, but at what cost? I think it would be wiser for Celia to talk to one of the women, and get a better guage of the situation. I'm sure some of them would have tried escaping, and perhaps forming an alliance behind the bars would be better than not. Great part!